July 11, 2018

Everyone wants a beautiful, straight smile – but not everyone wants to pay for one. DIY braces and at-home teeth straightening kits use a variety of materials such as superglue, rubber bands, paper clips and dental floss and promise fast results for a fraction of the price of professional braces. But are makeshift braces actually safe and cost-effective? Your dentist lists 6 reasons why you should think twice before trying to straighten your teeth at home.

Temporary vs Long-lasting Results

One of the major appeals of DIY braces is the promise of fast results. However, even if you manage to successfully and quickly move your teeth, they may not stay put for long. Quick teeth adjustments have a greater chance of shifting back – that is why traditional braces and Invisalign clear braces are designed to move your teeth slowly over many months. If you want a straight smile that will last, stick with professional dental treatment.

Is It Worth the Risk of Losing Your Teeth?

Using tight rubber bands or other materials to adjust your smile risks restricting blood flow to your teeth. Cutting your teeth off from circulation is extremely detrimental to tooth health and can destroy your teeth at their roots. Rather than ending up with the straight smile of your dreams, you may end up in the dentist’s office getting your teeth pulled!

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Your dentist only uses sterile, medical-grade tools and supplies when treating your teeth in order to avoid infection. On the other hand, DIY material such as rubber bands, paper clips and other nonsterile items can cause oral infection, especially because they can easily cut into your gums and injure the tissue. If left untreated, a gum infection can become life-threatening by spreading through your blood and facial tissues.

You Could Change the Way You Talk

Close your eyes and say your name aloud. Can you imagine having a different voice? DIY braces affect your entire mouth and can lead to other teeth shifting out of place, even if you did not want them to. As a result, your upper and lower jaw may no longer fit together properly, and you may even develop a serious speech impediment such as a lisp.

A Damaged Smile Can Lead to Emotional Trauma

Damaging your smile by using makeshift braces can lead to emotional trauma. Instead of the confidence that a straight smile can bring, you may be faced with mood swings, insomnia, general body aches or even depression. Is it worth risking your mental and physical health to attempt DIY braces?

Are DIY Braces Actually Cheaper?

Many people turn to DIY dental treatment to save money, but if makeshift braces seriously injure your mouth you could end up paying much more to repair the damages. Replacing damaged teeth with dental implants or undergoing surgery to address infections is both costly and inconvenient. The better option is to save money for professional braces and have the treatment done right the first time around.

If something seems too good to be true, it often is. Attempting to straighten your teeth at home is just not worth the financial, physical and emotional risks.

About the Practice

The Painesville Dental Group offers state-of-the-art dental care for patients of all ages – from senior citizens in their golden years down to young toddlers. If you want to learn more about professional treatment options like Invisalign that can straighten your smile, visit the Painesville Dental Group’s website or call the office at +1 440-354-2183.